Angina

Often a symptom of coronary artery disease, angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It can be difficult to distinguish angina from other forms of chest pain, so seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below.

• Chest pain that feels like burning, fullness, pressure, or squeezing
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The most common cause of restricted blood flow is coronary artery disease. During times of rest, the heart may still be able to work with reduced blood flow. However, when the demand for oxygen is up, it can result in angina.

• Stable angina is the most common form of the condition. It usually occurs during activity and goes away with rest or medication.
• Unstable angina occurs at rest and can be unpredictable. Pain doesn’t go away with medication and often requires emergency treatment.
• Variant angina, or Prinzmetal angina, isn’t caused by coronary artery disease but rather a spasm of the heart’s arteries restricting blood flow. The pain can be relieved with medication.
• Refractory angina occurs in frequent episodes despite medication and lifestyle changes.

• Aging
• Family history
• Diabetes 
• Certain medications
• Other conditions
• Cold temperatures

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Managing other health conditions related to heart disease
• Reducing stress
• Getting recommended vaccines to avoid heart complications

The following list is the one a cardiologist would use to help improve symptoms of angina.

• Lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise
• Medications, including nitrates, aspirin, and beta blockers
• Angioplasty and stenting
• Coronary bypass surgery